The King’s Speech

It’s the 1930s, the era of the wireless, but future King George VI (Colin Firth) suffers from a debilitating stutter and stammer that renders him speechless.

This magnificent film takes an obscure footnote from history and transforms it into an enthralling human drama.

Firth’s just about given up hope, but then his wife (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mum, visits eccentric Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) and talks the reluctant prince into going along.

With its superb script (beware the surprisingly strong language as Firth is encouraged to swear as part of his therapy), this instant classic is as moving, witty, clever, informative and dramatic as you could wish for.

Firth is word-perfect, as profoundly touching as he is effortlessly amusing, the warm and funny Bonham Carter offers brilliant support and Rush is a right royal scene-stealer.

The film won four Oscars, for Firth, director Tom Hooper, David Seidler’s screenplay and Best Film, and was nominated for eight more.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Get the latest soap spoilers and big TV news and interviews directly to your inbox…

Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from What' s on TV and other brands operated by TI Media Limited via email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We'd also like to send you special offers and news just by email from other carefully selected companies we think you might like. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies - we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please tick here if you are happy to receive these messages.